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      Endocrine Evaluation in Patients Treated with Interferon-Alpha for Chronic Hepatitis C

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          Abstract

          The aim of our study was to evaluate the hormonal profile in a group of 31 subjects who underwent recombinant interferon-α therapy for chronic active hepatitis C. Hormonal determinations were performed before treatment began and at the end of the 3rd and 6th months of therapy. Free-T<sub>4</sub> concentrations, though remaining in the normal range, showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) after 3 and 6 months of therapy compared with pretreatment levels. A lesser decrease in free-T<sub>3</sub> levels was also seen. TSH basal values did not show any variation, while an increased secretory response to TRH stimulation was observed at the end of the 6th month. Thyroglobulin and calcitonin levels remained normal, while an increase in antithyroglobulin and antithyreoperoxidase antibody levels was observed in 4 patients (12.9%). No modifications in the other pituitary hormones or in adrenal and sex steroid concentrations were noticed. A significant increase in IGF-I concentrations (p < 0.05) was observed during treatment, and an inverse correlation was seen between IGF-I and alanine aminotransferase levels (p < 0.01). This study supports the view that interferon treatment can influence thyroid function. The increase in IGF-I concentration observed during therapy may reflect an improvement in patients with hepatic disease, but a direct stimulatory effect of interferon on IGF-I secretion cannot be excluded.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          HRE
          Horm Res Paediatr
          10.1159/issn.1663-2818
          Hormone Research in Paediatrics
          S. Karger AG
          1663-2818
          1663-2826
          1995
          1995
          05 December 2008
          : 44
          : 3
          : 105-109
          Affiliations
          Departments of aEndocrinology, bGastroenterology and cNuclear Medicine, Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
          Article
          184605 Horm Res 1995;44:105–109
          10.1159/000184605
          7590639
          9fa5f806-cf61-4c2f-a0b7-c2feb159481a
          © 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel

          Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

          History
          : 11 August 1994
          : 06 December 1994
          Page count
          Pages: 5
          Categories
          Original Paper

          Endocrinology & Diabetes,Neurology,Nutrition & Dietetics,Sexual medicine,Internal medicine,Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical medicine
          Thyroid function,Interferon treatment,Insulin-like growth factor I

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